2009 MLB Preview: American League

Los Angeles Angels (92-70) – Frankly, it’s hard to go against the Angels even in a division where they are on the downside and other teams are improving, but given their recent history and productive offseason, they’re on track to win the West for the fifth time in the last six years. Bringing in Fuentes for K-Rod seems like a lateral move to me, and even after losing Teixeira and Anderson, signing Bobby Abreu on the cheap is never a bad thing. Their injuries to multiple starting pitchers to open the season scares me, but the proverbial cream will rise to the top within this mediocre collection of ballclubs.

Texas Rangers (81-81) – This team’s lineup can match anyone’s, with one of the better recent comeback stories in Josh Hamilton and the league’s best all-around second baseman in Ian Kinsler both leading the way. Their starting pitching continues to be the main issue every year, and that’s why this team won’t break .500 until they get some. There is a sizeable amount of good, young offensive talent on the Texas roster, but it’s no use to even consider anyone else winning this division at this point. Look for the Rangers to hit and hit well, but not make any news-breaking progress this season.

Oakland Athletics (78-84) – I’m really reluctant to sell the A’s short of an 80-win season, despite what people say about their “brilliant” young pitching, but when I don’t recognize one name outside of Duchscherer, the argument is made right there. Matt Holliday is a great acquisition to add some punch to the middle of the order, but who knows what Billy Beane’s motives are if the A’s fall out of the race. They look like they’re trying to win the 2003 World Series, signing the likes of Giambi and Garciaparra, making it more likely that this edition of “Moneyball” will be an abysmal flop.

Seattle Mariners (67-95) – There’s no way to think that this team will be any good; honestly, they’re downright terrible. So many awful moves from Bedard to Silva to Beltre haven’t panned out in the Pacific Northwest, one of many contributing factors that throw this season into oblivion. You know what you’re getting from Ichiro, but I’m interested to see if King Felix can return to form after such a great start to his major league career. Bringing back Junior will only help people remember the days where the M’s were on top out west. New manager, lousy roster, no hope for 2009.

All American League First Team

C - Joe Mauer, Minnesota
1B - Mark Teixeira, New York
2B - Ian Kinsler, Texas
SS - Derek Jeter, New York
3B - Alex Rodriguez, New York
OF - Josh Hamilton, Texas
OF - Matt Holliday, Oakland
OF - Grady Sizemore, Cleveland

SP - Cliff Lee, Cleveland
SP - CC Sabathia, New York
SP - Roy Halladay, Toronto
RP - Jonathan Papelbon, Boston
RP - Mariano Rivera, New York

All American League Second Team

C - Dioner Navarro, Tampa Bay
1B - Justin Morneau, Minnesota
2B - Dustin Pedroia, Boston
SS - Alexei Ramirez, Chicago
3B - Evan Longoria, Tampa Bay
OF - Vladimir Guerrero, Los Angeles
OF - Carlos Quentin, Chicago
OF - Ichiro Suzuki, Seattle

SP - Scott Kazmir, Tampa Bay
SP - John Lackey, Los Angeles
SP - Jon Lester, Boston
RP - Joe Nathan, Minnesota
RP - Joakim Soria, Kansas City

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